Comparing q-flash with SB 900 or 580EX?

[haring]

Is there a place which compares the light quality of the q-flash and Canon or Nikon flash units? I would like to see the comparison results (photos) rather than read about all the technical differences....

[The Loft Studios]

The "quality of light" can ONLY be determined by the modifier that is used.....
If the the same modifier was used on all three lights that you mentioned, then there would be NO difference in the quality of the light......

[haring]

Originally Posted by The Loft Studios

The "quality of light" can ONLY be determined by the modifier that is used.....
If the the same modifier was used on all three lights that you mentioned, then there would be NO difference in the quality of the light......

Thanks for clarifying it! I guess the only difference is that the Qflash is more poweful.

[The Loft Studios]

Exactly, and sometimes more power is a good thing especially when firing the light thru material such as a softbox or shoot-thru umbrella due to the light loss.

[haring]

Yes, it does make sense! Thanks!

[StevenGWebb]

Originally Posted by haring

Thanks for clarifying it! I guess the only difference is that the Qflash is more poweful.

I may be a bit late in responding but I just came across this thread.

Your question about the quality of light and the response was that the modifier is what creates the difference and indeed that is correct. Then there was a false assumption that the difference in the Q-Flash and the SB is the output power, not quite. Yes the Quantums are more powerful, depending on the model my a huge degree the Quantum X series can pump out 400 WS and the T series 150 WS. The major difference is in the reflector sizes which are the primary modifiers. The Q-Flash sports a parabolic reflector of 6 inches in diameter, additional interchangeable reflectors are also available. And the reflector can be completely removed providing a true bare bulb option.

Now as previously stated, light is light. The Q will pump out more of it, with faster recycles, for longer periods of time. The flash tube is also user replaceable.

Steve

[watkinssr]

There is color temp as well, and temp stability. Some lights will vary color temp as the day progresses. Yes, you can usually fix it in post, but not all lights are equal.

The quantums are an interesting little hybrid between a speedlight and a studio strobe. I have the 400ws x, and I love it for location stuff. It does eat battery power quickly though.

If I had to choose between a a speedlight and a quantum it would be the speedlight. Much more flexible and portable.

[XtremePhoto]

Originally Posted by StevenGWebb

I may be a bit late in responding but I just came across this thread.

Your question about the quality of light and the response was that the modifier is what creates the difference and indeed that is correct. Then there was a false assumption that the difference in the Q-Flash and the SB is the output power, not quite. Yes the Quantums are more powerful, depending on the model my a huge degree the Quantum X series can pump out 400 WS and the T series 150 WS. The major difference is in the reflector sizes which are the primary modifiers. The Q-Flash sports a parabolic reflector of 6 inches in diameter, additional interchangeable reflectors are also available. And the reflector can be completely removed providing a true bare bulb option.

Now as previously stated, light is light. The Q will pump out more of it, with faster recycles, for longer periods of time. The flash tube is also user replaceable.

Steve

This and one more thing well worth mentioning...size of the light source. The flash tube in a 580 on camera flash or other is tiny compared to the Quantum flash tube. The quantum is a much better light source in my opinion. When I grab a flash, I grab my Quantum T5dr over my 580EX II any day of the week. The range of modifiers you can use on a Quantum is much more flexible as well.

-G-

[watkinssr]

Originally Posted by watkinssr

There is color temp as well, and temp stability. Some lights will vary color temp as the day progresses. Yes, you can usually fix it in post, but not all lights are equal.

The quantums are an interesting little hybrid between a speedlight and a studio strobe. I have the 400ws x, and I love it for location stuff. It does eat battery power quickly though.

If I had to choose between a a speedlight and a quantum it would be the speedlight. Much more flexible and portable.

I just re-read what I wrote...sheesh, I shouldn't post on so little sleep. What I meant if I had to shoose between only owning a speedlight and a quantum....


I agree with XtremePhoto, given a choice I reach for the quantum more than anything else. But I cant carry it with me everywhere I go.